Grabber for a refuse vehicle

ABSTRACT

A grabber assembly including a carriage, a pin, a first adapter, a second adapter, and a sleeve. The pin extends through a bushing of a grabber arm. The bushing is pivotally coupled with the pin. The first adapter is coupled with the carriage and configured to receive a first end of the pin. The second adapter is coupled with the carriage and configured to receive a second end of the pin. The sleeve extends co-cylindrically with the pin, the sleeve positioned within a central bore of the bushing between the bushing and the pin.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/590,155, filed, Oct. 1, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,899,538, whichclaims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/743,280, filed Oct. 9, 2018, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/740,253, filed Oct. 2, 2018, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to the field of refuse vehicles,and in particular, to a grabber assembly for a refuse vehicle.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a grabber assemblyincluding a carriage, a pin, a first adapter, a second adapter, and asleeve, according to an exemplary embodiment. The pin extends through abushing of a grabber arm. The bushing is pivotally coupled with the pin.The first adapter is coupled with the carriage and configured to receivea first end of the pin. The second adapter is coupled with the carriageand configured to receive a second end of the pin. The sleeve extendsco-cylindrically with the pin, the sleeve positioned within a centralbore of the bushing between the bushing and the pin.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a grabber assembly,according to an exemplary embodiment. The grabber assembly includes acarriage, a pin, a first adapter, a second adapter, a first sleeve, anda second sleeve. The pin is fixedly coupled with a grabber arm. Thefirst adapter is coupled with the carriage and is configured to receivea first end of the pin to pivotally couple with the pin. The secondadapter is coupled with the carriage and is configured to receive asecond end of the pin to pivotally couple with the pin. The first sleeveis positioned within an aperture of the first adapter between the firstadapter and the first end of the pin. The second sleeve is positionedwithin an aperture of the second adapter between the second adapter andthe second end of the pin.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a grabber assembly,according to an exemplary embodiment. The grabber assembly includes acarriage, an adapter assembly, and a double-action cylinder. The adapterassembly is configured to pivotally couple a grabber arm with thecarriage. The adapter assembly includes a first adapter and a secondadapter, each removably coupled with the carriage. A pin extends betweenthe first adapter and the second adapter, pivotally coupling the grabberarm with the carriage. The double-action cylinder is configured toextend and retract to pivot the grabber arm relative to the carriage.The double-action cylinder is configured to pivotally couple with thegrabber arm at a first end of the double-action cylinder and pivotallycouple with the carriage at a second end of the double-action cylinderthrough a mount assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle, shown to include aloading assembly, a track, and a grabber assembly, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the loading assembly of the refusevehicle of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the loading assembly of the refusevehicle of FIG. 1, shown to include the grabber assembly of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the track of FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the track of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the grabber assembly of FIG. 1, shownto include a first grabber arm connector and a second grabber armconnector, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the grabber assembly of FIG. 1, shownto include a first grabber arm connector and a second grabber armconnector, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5C is a front view of the grabber assembly of FIG. 1, shown toinclude a first grabber arm connector and a second grabber armconnector, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5D is a top view of the grabber assembly of FIG. 1, shown toinclude a first grabber arm connector and a second grabber armconnector, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the grabber assembly of FIG.1, shown to include a first grabber arm connector and a second grabberarm connector, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a section of the grabberassembly of FIG. 1, shown to include a first grabber arm connector and asecond grabber arm connector, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a section of the grabber assembly ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a section of the grabberassembly of FIG. 1, showing an interface between a grabber arm and oneof the first grabber arm connector and the second grabber arm connector,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a method for servicing the grabber assembly of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an adapter assembly of the grabberassembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly of the grabberassembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective sectional view of the adapter assembly of thegrabber assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a section of the grabberassembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a section of the grabber assembly ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the adapter assembly of the grabberassembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of double-action cylinders of the grabberassembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a removable connection of the double-actioncylinders of the grabber assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the removable connection of thedouble-action cylinders of the grabber assembly of FIG. 1, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the removable connection of thedouble-action cylinders of the grabber assembly of FIG. 1, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the removable connection of thedouble-action cylinders of the grabber assembly of FIG. 1, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly ofFIG. 23, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly ofFIG. 23, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the FIGURES, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the FIGURES. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Overview

Referring generally to the FIGURES, a refuse truck is shown, including alift mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment. The lift mechanismis shown to include a track, a connecting portion connected to the trackand configured to move along an entire path length of the track, and agrabber assembly removably connected to the connecting portion. Thegrabber assembly is shown to include a first adapter assembly and asecond adapter assembly, removably connected at opposing ends of a mastof the grabber assembly. The grabber assembly is also shown to include afirst grabber arm and a second grabber arm rotatably coupled to thefirst adapter assembly and the second adapter assembly, respectively,such that the first grabber arm is configured to pivot about the firstadapter assembly, and the second grabber arm is configured to pivotabout the second adapter assembly. The first adapter assembly and thesecond adapter assembly are shown to be removably connected to the mastof the grabber assembly with removable fasteners. In some embodiments,any contact surfaces of the first adapter assembly, the second adapterassembly, the first grabber arm, and the second grabber arm arelubricated using a greaseless lubrication such as a polymeric material.The first adapter assembly and second adapter assembly are each shown toinclude a top adapter, a bottom adapter, and an adapter pin extendingbetween a distance of the top adapter and the bottom adapter therein. Insome embodiments, the adapter pin is removably connected at opposingends to the top adapter and the bottom adapter with removable fasteners.The adapter pin is configured to interface with a grabber arm connection(e.g., a bushing) of one of the grabber arms, such that the grabber armis supported by the adapter assembly and is allowed to rotate about theadapter pin. The adapter pin extends through the grabber arm connection(e.g., bushing) of the grabber arm. Each of the first grabber arm andthe second grabber arm may be configured to pivot about the adapter pinof the first adapter assembly and the adapter pin of the second adapterassembly, such that the first grabber arm and the second grabber armgrasp a refuse container. The refuse container may then be lifted offthe ground by the lift mechanism, transported along the track, andemptied into a refuse compartment of the refuse vehicle. The refusecontainer may then be transported back along the track, set on theground, and released from the grabber assembly by pivoting each of thegrabber arms.

Refuse Vehicle

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle, shownas refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., a garbage truck, a waste collection truck, asanitation truck, etc.), is configured as a side-loading refuse truckhaving a first lift mechanism/system (e.g., a side-loading liftassembly, etc.), shown as lift assembly 100. In other embodiments,refuse vehicle 10 is configured as a front-loading refuse truck or arear-loading refuse truck. In still other embodiments, the vehicle isanother type of vehicle (e.g., a skid-loader, a telehandler, a plowtruck, a boom lift, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, refuse vehicle 10includes a chassis, shown as frame 12; a body assembly, shown as body14, coupled to frame 12 (e.g., at a rear end thereof, etc.); and a cab,shown as cab 16, coupled to frame 12 (e.g., at a front end thereof,etc.). Cab 16 may include various components to facilitate operation ofrefuse vehicle 10 by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel,hydraulic controls, a user interface, switches, buttons, dials, etc.).As shown in FIG. 1, refuse vehicle 10 includes a prime mover, shown asengine 18, coupled to frame 12 at a position beneath cab 16. Engine 18is configured to provide power to a plurality of tractive elements,shown as wheels 19, and/or to other systems of refuse vehicle 10 (e.g.,a pneumatic system, a hydraulic system, etc.). Engine 18 may beconfigured to utilize one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g., gasoline,diesel, bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.), according to variousexemplary embodiments. According to an alternative embodiment, engine 18additionally or alternatively includes one or more electric motorscoupled to frame 12 (e.g., a hybrid refuse vehicle, an electric refusevehicle, etc.). The electric motors may consume electrical power from anon-board storage device (e.g., batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc.), froman on-board generator (e.g., an internal combustion engine, etc.),and/or from an external power source (e.g., overhead power lines, etc.)and provide power to the systems of refuse vehicle 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, refuse vehicle 10 is configured totransport refuse from various waste receptacles within a municipality toa storage and/or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incinerationfacility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, body 14includes a plurality of panels, shown as panels 32, a tailgate 34, and acover 36. Panels 32, tailgate 34, and cover 36 define a collectionchamber (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown as refuse compartment 30. Looserefuse may be placed into refuse compartment 30 where it may thereafterbe compacted. Refuse compartment 30 may provide temporary storage forrefuse during transport to a waste disposal site and/or a recyclingfacility. In some embodiments, at least a portion of body 14 and refusecompartment 30 extend in front of cab 16. According to the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, body 14 and refuse compartment 30 are positioned behindcab 16. In some embodiments, refuse compartment 30 includes a hoppervolume and a storage volume. Refuse may be initially loaded into thehopper volume and thereafter compacted into the storage volume.According to an exemplary embodiment, the hopper volume is positionedbetween the storage volume and cab 16 (i.e., refuse is loaded into aposition of refuse compartment 30 behind cab 16 and stored in a positionfurther toward the rear of refuse compartment 30). In other embodiments,the storage volume is positioned between the hopper volume and cab 16(e.g., a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1, refuse vehicle 10 includes first liftmechanism/system (e.g., a front-loading lift assembly, etc.), shown aslift assembly 100. Lift assembly 100 includes a grabber assembly, shownas grabber assembly 42, movably coupled to a track, shown as track 20,and configured to move along an entire length of track 20. According tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, track 20 extends alongsubstantially an entire height of body 14 and is configured to causegrabber assembly 42 to tilt near an upper height of body 14. In otherembodiments, track 20 extends along substantially an entire height ofbody 14 on a rear side of body 14.

Referring still to FIG. 1, grabber assembly 42 includes a pair ofgrabber arms shown as grabber arms 44. Grabber arms 44 are configured torotate about an axis extending through a bushing. Grabber arms 44 areconfigured to releasably secure a refuse container to grabber assembly42, according to an exemplary embodiment. Grabber arms 44 rotate aboutthe axis extending through the bushing to transition between an engagedstate and a disengaged state. When transitioning into the engaged state,grabber arms 44 are rotated towards each other such that the refusecontainer is grasped therein. When transitioning into the disengagedstate, grabber arms 44 rotate outwards (as shown in FIG. 3) such thatthe refuse container is not grasped therein or is released. Bytransitioning between the engaged state and the disengaged state,grabber assembly 42 releasably and selectably couples the refusecontainer to grabber assembly 42. Refuse vehicle 10 may pull upalong-side the refuse container, such that the refuse container ispositioned to be grasped by grabber assembly 42. Grabber assembly 42 maythen transition into the engaged state to grasp the refuse container.After the refuse container has been securely grasped, grabber assembly42 may be transported along track 20 with the refuse container. Whengrabber assembly 42 reaches the end of track 20, grabber assembly 42 maytilt and empty the contents of the refuse container in refusecompartment 30. The tilting can be facilitated by the path of track 20.When the contents of the refuse container have been emptied into refusecompartment 30, grabber assembly 42 may descend along track 20, andreturn the refuse container to the ground. Once the refuse container hasbeen placed on the ground, grabber assembly 42 may transition into thedisengaged state, releasing the refuse container.

Lift Assembly

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, lift assembly 100 is shown in greaterdetail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Lift assembly 100 is shownto include track 20, and a connecting member, shown as connecting member26. Track 20 is configured to extend along substantially an entireheight of body 14, according to the exemplary embodiment shown. Body 14is shown to include a loading section, shown as loading section 22.Loading section 22 is shown to include a recessed portion, shown asrecessed portion 24. Recessed portion 24 is configured such that track20 curves through recessed portion 24, thereby facilitating emptying(e.g., into refuse compartment 30) of a refuse bin (e.g., a garbage can)releasably coupled with grabber assembly 42.

Still referring to FIGS. 2-3, connecting member 26 is showntranslationally coupled with track 20. Connecting member 26 is coupledwith track 20 (e.g., through rollers, slidable bearings, etc.) such thatconnecting member 26 may move along an entire path length of track 20.Connecting member 26 may removably and fixedly couple with grabberassembly 42, thereby removably and movably coupling grabber assembly 42with track 20, and facilitating transportation of grabber assembly 42along the entire path length of track 20. Connecting member 26 removablycouples (e.g., by removable fasteners) to a carriage portion of grabberassembly 42, shown as carriage 46. Carriage 46 may be a frame, a mast, astructural member, a main member, a support member, etc. Grabberassembly 42 is shown to include grabber arms, grasping members,elongated members, etc., shown as first grabber arm 44 a and secondgrabber arm 44 b, according to an exemplary embodiment. First grabberarm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b are each configured to pivot about45 a and axis 45 b, respectively. Axis 45 a is defined as an axislongitudinally extending through a first adapter assembly (e.g., abushing), shown as first adapter assembly 43 a, and axis 45 b is definedas an axis longitudinally extending through a second adapter assembly(e.g., a bushing), shown as second adapter assembly 43 a. First adapterassembly 43 a fixedly couples with a first end of carriage 46, androtatably couples with first grabber arm 44 a. Second adapter assembly43 b fixedly couples with a second end of carriage 46, and rotatablycouples with second grabber arm 44 b. First adapter assembly 43 a andsecond adapter assembly 43 b pivotally or rotatably couple first grabberarm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b with carriage 46, and facilitaterotation of first grabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b aboutaxis 45 a and axis 45 b, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, track 20 is shown in greater detailaccording to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4A shows a front view oftrack 20, and FIG. 4B shows a side view of track 20, according to anexemplary embodiment. Track 20 is shown to include a straight portion27, and a curved portion 29. Straight portion 27 may be substantiallyvertical, and/or substantially parallel to loading section 22 of body14. Curved portion 29 may have a radius of curvature, shown as radius23. In some embodiments, curved portion 29 has a constant radius ofcurvature (i.e., curved portion 29 has a constant radius 23 along allpoints on a path of curved portion 29), while in other embodiments,curved portion 29 has a non-constant radius of curvature (i.e., curvedportion 29 has a non-constant radius 23 along various points on the pathof curved portion 29). According to an exemplary embodiment, straightportion 27 has an infinite radius of curvature. Grabber assembly 42 maytravel along a path of track 20, shown as path 25. Track 20 may beconfigured to tilt grabber assembly 42 to empty contents of a refusecontainer when grabber assembly 42 travels along path 25 and travelspast a point on path 25, shown as point 28. When grabber assembly 42travels along path 25 past point 28, grabber assembly 42 may tilt,emptying the contents of the refuse container into refuse compartment30.

Grabber Assembly

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5D, grabber assembly 42 is shown in greaterdetail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Grabber assembly 42 isshown to include carriage 46, first adapter assembly 43 a fixedlycoupled with carriage 46 at the first end of carriage 46, second adapterassembly 43 a fixedly coupled with carriage 46 at the second end ofcarriage 46, first grabber arm 44 a rotatably coupled with first adapterassembly 43 a, and second grabber arm 44 b rotatably coupled with secondadapter assembly 43 a. Grabber assembly 42 also includes hooks orinterfacing members, shown as hooks 48. Hooks 48 may be integrallyformed with carriage 46, according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, hooks 48 are removably coupled with carriage 46 (i.e., withfasteners). Hooks 48 may assist in or facilitate removably couplinggrabber assembly 42 with connecting member 26. Hooks 48 may aid insupporting the weight of grabber assembly 42 when grabber assembly 42 iscoupled with connecting member 26, according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 5C-5D, the grabber assembly 42 is shown connected toconnecting member 26, according to an exemplary embodiment. Grabberassembly 42 may connect to connecting member 26 with hooks 48 and/orfasteners configured to removably connect grabber assembly 42 withconnecting member 26. In FIG. 5D, carriage 46 is shown to have a curvedportion 50, according to an exemplary embodiment. Curved portion 50 mayassist in releasably securing or coupling grabber assembly 42 with arefuse container by interfacing with a curved portion of the refusecontainer, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring still to FIG.5D, each of first grabber arm 44 a, and second grabber arm 44 b areshown to include a curved portion, shown as curved portion 55, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Curved portion 55 may assist in grabberassembly 42 grasping the refuse container, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, grabber assembly 42 is shown to include firstgrabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b, according to an exemplaryembodiment. Second grabber arm 44 b includes a first protrusion, shownas first grabber finger 50 a, and a second protrusion shown as secondgrabber finger 50 b, according to an exemplary embodiment. First grabberfinger 50 a and second grabber finger 50 b define an open spacetherebetween, shown as open space 52. Open space 52 may have a widthequal to or greater than a maximum width of first grabber arm 44 a,according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, when grabberassembly 42 transitions into an engaged state, first grabber arm 44 amoves into the open space 52, defined by the space between first grabberfinger 50 a and second grabber finger 50 b.

Referring now to FIG. 6, grabber assembly 42 is shown in an explodedperspective view, according to an exemplary embodiment. Grabber assembly42 is shown to include first adapter assembly 43 a and second adapterassembly 43 a, according to an exemplary embodiment. First adapterassembly 43 a and second adapter assembly 43 a are shown in an explodedstate relative to carriage 46. Grabber assembly 42 includes one or morecylinders, shown as double-action cylinder 61 and double-action cylinder63. In an exemplary embodiment, each of double-action cylinder 61 anddouble-action cylinder 63 are hydraulic cylinders and are configured todrive a corresponding one of first grabber arm 44 a, and second grabberarm 44 b. Double-action cylinder 61 and double-action cylinder 63 mayremovably pivotally couple at one end with carriage 46, and removablypivotally couple at another end (e.g., an opposite end) with firstgrabber arm 44 a, and second grabber arm 44 b, respectively. In someembodiments, each of double-action cylinder 61 and double-actioncylinder 63 are pneumatic cylinders. Each of double-action cylinder 61and double-action cylinder 63 are configured to expand/extend andretract/compress, according to an exemplary embodiment. As each ofdouble-action cylinder 61 and double-action cylinder 63 expand,double-action cylinder 61 and double-action cylinder 63 may drive firstgrabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b to pivot about axis 45 aand axis 45 b, respectively. Double-action cylinder 61 and double-actioncylinder 63 transition grabber assembly 42 into the engaged state byexpanding, and transition grabber assembly 42 into the disengaged stateby retracting.

Grabber Adapter Assembly

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exploded view of a portion of grabberassembly 42 is shown in greater detail, according to an illustrativeembodiment. First adapter assembly 43 a and second adapter assembly 43 bare symmetrical, such that whatever is said of first adapter assembly 43a may be said of second adapter assembly 43 b, and vice versa. Firstadapter assembly 43 a is shown exploded relative to carriage 46. Firstadapter assembly 43 a includes a top piece, an upper member, a firstmember, a receiving member, a mounting member, etc, shown as top adapterpiece 56 a, a bottom piece, a lower member, a second member, a receivingmember, a mounting member, etc., shown as bottom adapter piece 58 a anda pin, shown as adapter assembly pin 60 a. Top adapter piece 56 a isshown coupled with a plate, a planar member, a connection member, etc.,shown as top adapter plate 62 a, according to an exemplary embodiment.In some embodiments, top adapter plate 62 a is integrally formed withtop adapter piece 56 a. Top adapter plate 62 a is shown to includefasteners 66 a, according to an exemplary embodiment. Top adapter plate62 a is configured to interface with, abut, contact, etc., a surface orcorresponding portion of carriage 46, shown as surface 74 a of carriage46, and removably couples with carriage 46 through fasteners 66 a andfastener connections 76 a. In some embodiments, fasteners 66 a include abolt and a nut, and fastener connections 76 a are through-holes orapertures configured to interface with fasteners 66 a to removablycouple first adapter assembly 43 a with carriage 46. First adapterassembly 43 a also includes bottom adapter piece 58 a, according to anexemplary embodiment. Bottom adapter piece 58 a may be constructedsimilarly to top adapter piece 56 a, and can include a bottom plate, abottom planar member, a bottom portion, etc., shown as bottom adapterplate 64 a. Bottom adapter plate 64 a includes bottom fasteners, shownas fasteners 68 a, and is configured to removably couple first adapterassembly 43 a with carriage 46. Fasteners 68 a are shown to be the sameas fasteners 66 a, and may be configured to interface with and couplewith a bottom surface of carriage 46, similar to fasteners 66 a.

Referring still to FIG. 7, first adapter assembly 43 a is shown toinclude adapter assembly pin 60 a. In some embodiments, adapter assemblypin 60 a is configured to extend through greaseless bushings asdescribed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 11-15. Adapterassembly pin 60 a is configured to pivotally interface within aconnector, shown as first grabber arm connector 54 a (e.g., a bushing)of first grabber arm 44 a, according to an exemplary embodiment. In someembodiments, first grabber arm connector 54 a includes greaselessbushings fit (e.g., press fit, slip fit, etc.) within an aperture offirst grabber arm connector 54 a as described in greater detail belowwith reference to FIGS. 11-15. Adapter assembly pin 60 a may facilitatepivoting of first grabber arm 44 a about axis 45 a and may support firstgrabber arm 44 a. Adapter assembly pin 60 a is configured to extendthrough an entire longitudinal length of first grabber arm connector 54a and extends into top adapter piece 56 a at a first or proximate end,and into bottom adapter piece 58 a at a second or distal end, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. First adapter assembly 43 a can also includea top fastener and a bottom fastener, shown as top pin fastener 70 a andbottom pin fastener 72 a. Top pin fastener 70 a and bottom pin fastener72 a removably couple adapter assembly pin 60 a with top adapter piece56 a and bottom adapter piece 58 a, respectively. In an exemplaryembodiment, top pin fastener 70 a and bottom pin fastener 72 a extendalong axis 45 a. Axis 45 a may be defined as an axis extendinglongitudinally through a center of adapter assembly pin 60 a. Topadapter piece 56 a and bottom adapter piece 58 a may be axially alignedwith adapter assembly pin 60 a, such that axis 45 a extends through thecenter of top adapter piece 56 a and bottom adapter piece 58 a. In someembodiments, each of top pin fasteners 70 a and bottom pin fasteners 72a are bolt fasteners and extend through a top hole and a bottom hole,respectively. The top hole is normal to axis 45 a, and radially extendsthrough top adapter piece 56 a and the end of adapter assembly pin 60 awhich extends into top adapter piece 56 a, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The bottom hole is normal to axis 45 a and radially extendsthrough bottom adapter piece 58 a and the end of adapter assembly pin 60a which extends into bottom adapter piece 58 a, according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring still to FIG. 7, first grabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm44 b are shown to include first grabber arm connector 54 a and secondgrabber arm connector 54 b, according to an exemplary embodiment. Firstgrabber arm connector 54 a and second grabber arm connector 54 b areconfigured to pivotally or rotatably couple with adapter assembly pin 60a and adapter assembly pin 60 b, respectively. First grabber armconnector 54 a and second grabber arm connector 54 b may be similarly orsymmetrically configured and constructed, such that whatever is said offirst grabber arm connector 54 a may be said of second grabber armconnector 54 b, and vice versa. First grabber arm connector 54 a fixedlycouples (e.g., integrally formed, welded, fastened, etc.) with firstgrabber arm 44 a, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring still to FIG. 7, each of first adapter assembly 43 a andsecond adapter assembly 43 b are shown in an exploded position relativeto carriage 46. Each of top adapter piece 56 a and bottom adapter piece58 a are removably coupled with adapter assembly pin 60 a. First grabberarm connector 54 a and second grabber arm connector 54 b are fixedlyconnected to first grabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b,respectively. The removable coupling between first adapter assembly 43 aand second adapter assembly 43 b and carriage 46 are advantageous sincethey allow grabber assembly 42 to be quickly and easily disassembled formaintenance purposes. A technician may easily disassemble grabberassembly 42 by first de-coupling top fasteners 66 a, bottom fasteners 68a, top fasteners 66 b, and bottom fasteners 68 b to remove first adapterassembly 43 a and second adapter assembly 43 b. The technician mayfurther disassemble first adapter assembly 43 a and second adapterassembly 43 b by de-coupling top pin fastener 70 a, bottom pin fastener72 a, top pin fastener 70 b, and bottom pin fastener 72 b to completelydisassemble first adapter assembly 43 a and second adapter assembly 43b. This allows the technician to quickly disassemble and replace variouscomponents of grabber assembly 42 and may decrease an amount ofmaintenance time required for the refuse vehicle 10, allowing refusevehicle 10 to quickly return to operation.

In some embodiments, the removable couplings described also allow thetechnician to adjust an alignment of the adapter assembly pin (e.g.,adapter assembly pin 60 a) within the bushing (e.g., first grabber armconnector 54 a). For example, if top fasteners 66 a and bottom fasteners68 a are bolt fasteners, fastener connections 76 a may be through holes,configured to interface with fasteners 66 a. The diameters of fastenerconnections 76 a may be large enough to allow fasteners 66 a to beadjusted within the diameter of fastener connections 76 a, to adjust thealignment of adapter assembly pin 60 a within grabber arm connector 54a. The technician may loosen top fasteners 66 a or bottom fasteners 68 aand adjust a position of top fasteners 66 a or bottom fasteners 68 awithin fastener connections 76 a. Once a desired alignment has beenachieved between top adapter piece 56 a and bottom adapter piece 58 a(or top adapter piece 56 b and bottom adapter piece 58 b), thetechnician may selectably tighten top fasteners 66 a and/or bottomfasteners 68 a to maintain the desired alignment.

In some embodiments, grabber assembly 42 includes polymeric wearsurfaces. For example, an inner diameter of first grabber arm connector54 a may undergo wear due to the interface or relative motion betweenthe inner diameter of first grabber arm connector 54 a and an outerdiameter of adapter assembly pin 60 a. In order to provide properlubrication and/or wear resistance, a polymeric surface may be appliedto at least one of the outer diameter of adapter assembly pin 60 a andthe inner diameter of first grabber arm connector 54 a, according to anexemplary embodiment. The polymeric wear surface may be any of a surfacemade of polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene,polyisobutylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polyehterketone,polyoxymethylene, polyimide, etc., or any other polymer. In someembodiments, the polymeric wear surface may be a sleeve removablyinserted into first grabber arm connector 54 a or over adapter assemblypin 60 a. Advantageously, polymeric wear surfaces reduce the need toperiodically grease the wear surfaces of grabber assembly 42. This mayresult in cost and time savings by providing a greaseless grabberassembly.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a portion of grabberassembly 42 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Grabberassembly 42 is shown in an assembled state. In the assembled state,adapter assembly 43 a and adapter assembly 43 b are removably coupledwith carriage 46 through fasteners 66 a and fasteners 66 b,respectively. Additionally, the assembled state shows axis 45 a and axis80 a coaxial with each other. First grabber arm connector 54 a andsecond grabber arm connector 54 b are shown fixedly coupled with firstgrabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b. Grabber arm 44 a isconfigured to be driven by double-action cylinder 61 and grabber arm 44b is configured to be driven by double-action cylinder 63. Asdouble-action cylinder 61 and double-action cylinder 63 extend, grabberarm 44 a is driven to rotate about axis 45 a/ 80 a in direction 86 a andgrabber arm 44 b is driven to rotate about axis 45 b/ 80 b in direction86 b, according to an exemplary embodiment. Grabber arm 44 a and grabberarm 44 b may rotate in direction 86 a and direction 86 b, respectively,until grabber assembly 42 is in the engaged state, defined by the refusecontainer being sufficiently grasped by each of grabber arm 44 a andgrabber arm 44 b. Since different refuse containers may have differentwidths, diameters, and shapes, the engaged state may vary depending onan amount of rotation of grabber arm 44 a and grabber arm 44 b indirection 86 a and direction 86 b required to sufficiently grasp theparticular refuse container. Once the grabber assembly 42 hastransitioned into the engaged state and sufficiently grasps the refusecontainer, the grabber assembly 42 may be transported along track 20until the refuse container is emptied. The refuse container is thenreturned to the ground, and the grabber assembly 42 is transitioned intothe disengaged state by retracting each of double-action cylinder 61 anddouble-action cylinder 63. The retraction of double-action cylinder 61and double-action cylinder 63 causes first grabber arm 44 a to rotateabout axis 45 a/ 80 a in direction 88 a and second grabber arm 44 b torotate about axis 45 b/ 80 b in direction 88 b until the refusecontainer is no longer grasped by the grabber assembly 42.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a detailed perspective view of first adapterassembly 43 a and the interface between first adapter assembly 43 a andfirst grabber arm 44 a is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.As shown in FIG. 9, a first end of adapter assembly pin 60 a, shown asfirst end 92 a protrudes into top adapter piece 56 a, and a second endof adapter assembly pin 60 a, shown as second end 94 a protrudes intobottom adapter piece 58 a, according to an exemplary embodiment. Firstend 92 a of adapter assembly pin 60 a is prevented from rotating withintop adapter piece 56 a by top pin fastener 70 a, which extends throughtop adapter piece 56 a and first end 92 a of adapter assembly pin 60 a,normally to axis 45 a. Top pin fastener 70 a may be a bolt fastener,according to an exemplary embodiment and may removably couple first end92 a of adapter assembly pin 60 a with top adapter piece 56 a. Secondend 94 a of adapter assembly pin 60 is prevented from rotating withinbottom adapter piece 58 a similarly to first end 92 a of adapterassembly pin 60, via bottom pin fastener 72 a, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring still to FIG. 9, first adapter assembly 43 a includes topadapter plate 62 a and bottom adapter plate 64 a, according to anexemplary embodiment. Top adapter plate 62 a may be integrally formedwith top adapter piece 56 a, and bottom adapter plate 64 a may beintegrally formed with bottom adapter piece 58 a, according to anexemplary embodiment. Top adapter plate 62 a and bottom adapter plate 64a may be generally parallel to each other, and may have a same orsimilar thickness, according to an exemplary embodiment. In someembodiments, top adapter piece 56 a include a top face 96 a and a bottomface 98 a. Top adapter plate 62 a may be positioned at a midpointbetween top face 96 a and bottom face 98 a of top adapter piece 56 a,according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, top adapter plate 62a may be positioned such that a top face of top adapter plate 62 a iscoplanar with top face 96 a of top adapter piece 56 a. In someembodiments, top adapter plate 62 a is positioned such that a bottomface of top adapter plate 62 a is coplanar with bottom face 98 a of topadapter piece 56 a. Likewise, bottom adapter plate 64 a may bepositioned at a midpoint between top face 104 a and bottom face 102 a ofbottom adapter piece 58 a, or such that a top face of bottom adapterplate 64 a is coplanar with top face 104 a of bottom adapter piece 58 a,or such that a bottom face of bottom adapter plate 64 a is coplanar withbottom face 102 a of bottom adapter piece 58 a, according to variousembodiments. The distance between the bottom face of top adapter plate62 a and the top face of bottom adapter plate 64 a may be substantiallyequal to a width of carriage 46 at a specific location where firstadapter assembly 43 a is configured to removably coupled with carriage46.

Referring still to FIG. 9, top adapter plate 62 a is shown to includefasteners 66 a, and bottom adapter plate 64 a is shown to includefasteners 68 a, according to an exemplary embodiment. As described ingreater detail above with reference to FIG. 7, fasteners 68 a andfasteners 66 a may be configured to removably couple first adapterassembly 43 a with carriage 46. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9,fasteners 68 a and fasteners 66 a are bolts, however, fasteners 68 a andfasteners 66 a can be any other type of fastener (e.g., a pin). Anynumber of fasteners 66 a and fasteners 68 a may be used, according tosome embodiments. The embodiment in FIG. 9 shows four fasteners 66 a andfour fasteners 68 a, however, more or less than four fasteners may beused according to some embodiments.

Referring still to FIG. 9, first grabber arm connector 54 a is shownfixedly coupled with first grabber arm 44 a, in greater detail. Firstgrabber arm connector 54 a is shown to include an inner volume 38, aninner surface 106 a, and an outer surface 110 a, according to anexemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment shown, inner surface106 a and outer surface 110 a are cylindrical in shape and are bothcoaxial about axis 80 a. Inner surface 106 a may have a diametersubstantially equal to or slightly greater than an outer diameter ofadapter assembly pin 60 a, and may be configured so that adapterassembly pin 60 a extends through an aperture of first grabber armconnector 54 a. In some embodiments, first grabber arm connector 54 afixedly couples with first grabber arm 44 a at a corner of first grabberarm 44 a. First grabber arm connector 54 a may be integrally formed orfixedly coupled with first grabber arm 44 a.

Referring still to FIG. 9, various surfaces of first adapter assembly 43a and first grabber arm connector 54 a may include a wear-resistantmaterial. An outer surface of adapter assembly pin 60 a may include apolymeric wear resistant material, according to an exemplary embodiment.Additionally, inner surface 106 a of first grabber arm connector 54 amay include a polymeric wear resistant material. The polymeric wearresistant material may be any of the polymeric materials mentioned abovewith reference to FIG. 7. When first adapter assembly 43 a and firstgrabber arm connector 54 a are assembled, axis 45 a and axis 80 a arecoaxial and adapter assembly pin 60 a extends through grabber armconnector 54 a, facilitating rotation of first grabber arm 44 a aboutaxis 45 a/axis 80 a. When first grabber arm 44 a rotates about axis 45a/axis 80 a (i.e., when grabber assembly 42 transitions between theengaged and disengaged state), the outer surface of adapter assembly pin60 a and the inner surface 106 a of grabber arm connector 54 a mayslidably interface with each other. The polymeric wear materials presenton the outer surface of adapter assembly pin 60 a and/or the innersurface 106 a of grabber arm connector 54 a may reduce frictional forcesbetween the outer surface of adapter assembly pin 60 a and the innersurface 106 a of grabber arm connector 54 a, providing a low-friction,greaseless interface.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, first adapter assembly 43 a is shown,according to some embodiments. First adapter assembly 43 a is shown toinclude greaseless sleeves (e.g., a polymeric sleeve bearing, a plainbearing, a polymeric bushing, etc.), shown as greaseless bushing 112 a,greaseless bushing 112 b, greaseless bushing 112 c, and greaselessbushing 112 d, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, eachof greaseless bushing 112 a, greaseless bushing 112 b, greaselessbushing 112 c, and greaseless bushing 112 d includes or is formed from apolymeric material. The polymeric material of each of greaseless bushing112 a, greaseless bushing 112 b, greaseless bushing 112 c, andgreaseless bushing 112 d may be any of the polymeric materials discussedin greater detail above with reference to FIG. 7.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-14 (FIG. 12 shows onlygreaseless bushing 112 c and greaseless bushing 112 d for illustrativepurposes), four greaseless bushings 112 are used (i.e., greaselessbushing 112 a, greaseless bushing 112 b, greaseless bushing 112 c, andgreaseless bushing 112 d). In some embodiments, more than fourgreaseless bushings 112 may be used. In some embodiments, less than fourgreaseless bushings 112 may be used. Greaseless bushings 112 a-112 d maybe fit (e.g., press fit, slip fit, etc.) into grabber arm connector 54a, according to some embodiments. Greaseless bushings 112 a-112 d may beslip fit on adapter assembly pin 60 a in some embodiments. In someembodiments, greaseless bushings 112 a-112 d facilitate a slidablecoupling between adapter assembly pin 60 a and an inner surface ofgreaseless bushings 112 a-112 d. Greaseless bushings 112 a-112 d mayprovide a wear surface between an external surface of a portion ofadapter assembly pin 60 a which extends through grabber arm connector 54a and an internal surface of grabber arm connector 54 a. In someembodiments, a washer, shown as washer 114 a, may disposed on a bottomsurface of grabber arm connector 54 a. Washer 114 a may include a holeor central apertures through which greaseless bushing 112 d protrudes orextends.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, first adapter assembly 43 a is shown,according to another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-15,bottom adapter piece 58 a is integrally formed with adapter assembly pin60 a. In some embodiments, top adapter piece 56 a and adapter assemblypin 60 a are integrally formed while bottom adapter piece 58 a andadapter assembly pin 60 a are not integrally formed. Each of firstadapter assembly 43 a and second adapter assembly 43 b are shown toslidably couple with a set of greaseless bushings 112 a-112 d that aredisposed within grabber arm connector 54 a and grabber arm connector 54b, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-15, adapterassembly pin 60 a is integrally formed with bottom adapter piece 58 a,and protrudes partially into top adapter piece 56 a. In someembodiments, top adapter piece 56 a includes top pin fastener 70 a toremovably couple top adapter piece 56 a with adapter assembly pin 60 a.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-17, first adapter assembly 43 a is shownaccording to another embodiment. First adapter assembly 43 a is shown toinclude bushings (i.e., greaseable sleeve bearings, steel bushings,etc.), shown as greaseable bushing 116 a and greaseable bushing 116 b.Greaseable bushing 116 a and greaseable bushing 116 b may be disposed inthe same location (i.e., press fit, slip fit, etc., within grabber armconnector 54 a) as greaseless bushings 112 a-112 d and may function inthe same manner as greaseless bushings 112 a-112 d (i.e., facilitating areduced friction slidable coupling between adapter assembly pin 60 a andgrabber arm connector 54 a), as described in greater detail above withreference to FIGS. 11-15. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-17, bottomadapter piece 58 a is integrally formed with adapter assembly pin 60 a.In some embodiments, top adapter piece 56 a is integrally formed withadapter assembly pin 60 a.

Referring still to FIGS. 16-17, adapter assembly pin 60 a is shownprotruding through and out of top adapter piece 56 a, according to anexemplary embodiment. Adapter assembly pin 60 a and bottom adapter piece58 a are shown to include passageways configured to receive and deliverlubrication (i.e., grease), to each of greaseable bushing 116 a andgreaseable bushing 116 b, according to an exemplary embodiment. In someembodiments, a first passageway 118 a is configured to receivelubrication through a top surface of adapter assembly pin 60 a anddeliver the lubrication to greaseable bushing 116 a and a secondpassageway 120 a is configured to receive lubrication through a bottomsurface of bottom adapter piece 58 a and deliver lubrication togreaseable bushing 116 b. In some embodiments, each of the firstpassageway 118 a and the second passageway 120 a include a first portionextending through axis 45 a, and one or more second portions extendingradially outwards from axis 45 a configured to supply the lubrication toeither greaseable bushing 116 a or greaseable bushing 116 b. In someembodiments, the second portion supplies lubrication to a radial grooveof adapter assembly pin 60 a configured to distribute the lubricationabout an inside surface of one of greaseable bushing 116 a andgreaseable bushing 116 b.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-25, a portion of grabber assembly 42 is shown.Grabber assembly 42 includes first adapter assembly 43 a, according toanother embodiment. First adapter assembly 43 a can be the same as orsimilar to first adapter assembly 43 a as described in greater detailabove with reference to FIGS. 3, 5A-5D, 6-9, and 11-17, and may shareany of the features or configuration as described hereinabove.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 24-25, first adapter assembly 43 aincludes top adapter piece 56 a, bottom adapter piece 58 a, firstgrabber arm connector 54 a, greaseable bushing 116 a, greaseable bushing116 b, and a pin, elongated member, cylindrical member, post, etc.,shown as pin 158. Pin 158 can have a cylindrical cross-sectional shapeand extends through greaseable bushing 116 a and greaseable bushing 116b. Greaseable bushing 116 a and greaseable bushing 116 b can be hollowcylindrical members including an inner volume or central aperturethrough which pin 158 extends or protrudes.

Top adapter piece 56 a and bottom adapter piece 58 a may be similarlyconfigured such that whatever is said of top adapter piece 56 a may besaid of bottom adapter piece 58 a and vice versa. Top adapter piece 56 aincludes a central aperture, an inner volume, a space, a void, a steppedbore, etc., shown as receiving volume 152. Receiving volume 152 can beconfigured to receive a correspondingly shaped end portion, steppedportion, end, etc., of pin 158, shown as stepped end 160. Stepped end160 includes a step or a shoulder, shown as step 156. Step 156 may bedefined between various portions of pin 158 that have different outerdiameters or radii. For example, a central portion 150 of pin 158 mayhave an outer diameter or outer radius that is greater than the radiusor diameter of distal ends of pin 158. Top adapter piece 56 a includes astep or a shoulder, shown as shoulder 154 such that receiving volume 152has a shape corresponding to stepped end 160. In some embodiments,shoulder 154 of top adapter piece 56 a is configured to engage, abut,slidably couple with, etc., step 156 of stepped end 160 of pin 158.Shoulder 154 can facilitate preventing removal of pin 158 duringoperation.

Top adapter piece 56 a can include a central aperture or hole that isconfigured to receive an outer end portion of pin 158 therethrough. Pin158 can include various passageways, pathways, passages, inner volumes,channels, flow paths, grease paths, etc., shown as grease passageway162. Grease passageway 162 can include a central channel, alongitudinally extending channel, etc., shown as central passageway 164.Grease passageway 162 can also include one or more radial passageways,radial channels, radially extending holes, radially extending innervolumes, etc., shown as radially extending passageways 166. Radiallyextending passageways 166 extend radially outwards from and fluidlycouple with central passageway 164. Central passageway 164 may fluidlycouple with a grease fitting 168 that protrudes outwards from anoutermost surface of pin 158 (e.g., that protrudes longitudinallyoutwards from stepped end 160). Radially extending passageways 166 canextend radially outwards through a radially outermost surface of pin 158to thereby fluidly couple with greaseable bushing 116 a and/orgreaseable bushing 116 b.

Greaseable bushings 116 a and 116 b can be sleeves that includes aradially inwards facing surface that engages or slidably couples withthe radially outermost surface of pin 158. Greaseable bushings 116 a and116 b also include a radially outwards facing surface that can slidablyengage or slidably couple with a corresponding radially inwards facingsurface of first grabber arm connector 54 a. In some embodiments,greaseable bushings 116 a and 116 b are fixedly coupled within firstgrabber arm connector 54 a. For example, greaseable bushings 116 a and116 b can be press fit or slip fit within first grabber arm connector 54a so that greaseable bushings 116 a and 116 b are stationary relative tofirst grabber arm connector 54 a. While greaseable bushings 116 a and116 b are stationary relative to first grabber arm connector 54 a, pin158 can be free to rotate or pivot relative to greaseable bushings 116a.

Pin 158 can extend longitudinally along axes 45 a/ 80 a. Greaseablebushings 116 a and 116 b circumferentially surround pin 158. Greaseablebushings 116 a and 116 b are positioned within inner volume 38 of firstgrabber arm connector 54 a. In this way, pin 158, greaseable bushings116 a and 116 b, and first grabber arm connector 54 are co-cylindricalwith each other about axes 45 a/ 80 a when grabber assembly 42 isassembled.

Grease or lubricant may be selectably added to first adapter assembly 43a through grease fittings 168 (e.g., by a technician). Pin 158 caninclude grease fittings 168 and grease passageway 162 at both ends ofpin 158. Grease fitting 168 and grease passageway 162 at a first orproximate end of pin 158 can be configured to receive and deliver greaseor lubricant to greaseable bushing 116 a, while the other grease fitting168 and grease passageway 162 (e.g., at an opposite, second, or distalend) of pin 158 can be configured to receive and deliver grease orlubricant to greaseable bushing 116 b. In this way, grease may be addedto first adapter assembly 43 a from either end (e.g., from the first orproximate end and/or from the second or distal end). When grease orlubricant is added to first adapter assembly 43 a, the lubricant enterscentral passageway 164 through the corresponding grease fitting 168. Thelubricant may flow longitudinally through central passageway 164 untilreaching radially extending passageways 166. The lubricant then flowsthrough radially extending passageways 166 to greaseable bushing 116 aand/or greaseable bushing 116 a. The lubricant may be delivered to aspace or gap 180 defined between a radially inwards facing surface 182of greaseable bushings 116 a/ 116 b and a radially outwards facingsurface 184 of pin 158.

It should be understood that first adapter assembly 43 a and secondadapter assembly 43 b may be similarly and symmetrically configured suchthat whatever is said of first adapter assembly 43 a may be said ofsecond adapter assembly 43 b and vice versa. For example, second adapterassembly 43 b can include a similar pin 158, greaseable bushings 116 aand 116 b, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 26, first adapter assembly 43 a of grabberassembly 42 is shown in detail, according to another embodiment. Asshown in FIG. 26, first grabber arm connector 54 a is a steppedcylindrical member. First grabber arm connector 54 a is shown configuredas a solid member, however, first grabber arm connector 54 a may alsoinclude inner volumes or spaces to facilitate weight reduction ofgrabber arm 44 a.

First grabber arm connector 54 a includes a central portion 170, and endportions 172. Central portion 170 and end portions 172 can becylindrical members having a circular outer periphery. In someembodiments, central portion 170 has a cross-sectional shape that issquare, rectangular, irregularly shaped, etc., while end portions 172have a circular cross-sectional shape. Central portion 170 and endportions 172 have different outer diameters, areas, outer radii, etc.,and define a step or a shoulder 174 at the transition therebetween. Forexample, central portion 170 may have an outer diameter that is greaterthan an outer diameter of end portions 172.

First adapter assembly 43 a includes a sleeve bushing, a sleeve member,a bearing, a slidable bearing, etc., shown as sleeve 176. Sleeve 176 ispositioned within a central aperture, a central inner volume, a throughhole, a space, etc., of top adapter piece 56 a, shown as central bore178. Central bore 178 extends substantially through an entirelongitudinal thickness of top adapter piece 56 a and may have a circularcross-sectional shape.

Sleeve 176 can be press fit or slip fit into central bore 178 and mayeither slidably or fixedly couple with top adapter piece 56 a. Sleeve176 has the shape of a hollow cylindrical member and receives endportion 172 therewithin. A radially outwards facing surface of endportion 172 slidably couples with a radially inwards facing surface ofsleeve 176 so that first grabber arm connector 54 a can rotate relativeto sleeve 176. In other embodiments sleeve 176 is press fit or otherwisefixedly coupled with end portion 172 so that sleeve 176 and end portion172 rotate in unison. If sleeve 176 is fixedly coupled with end portion172, sleeve 176 may be slip fit or rotatably/pivotally coupled with theradially inwards facing surface of top adapter piece 56 a so that sleeve176 and first grabber arm connector 54 a can rotate in unison relativeto top adapter piece 56 a. Shoulder 174 of first grabber arm connector54 a is configured to engage a corresponding portion, shoulder, step,corner, etc., of sleeve 176. In some embodiments, shoulder 174 of firstgrabber arm connector 54 a is slidably coupled with the correspondingshoulder of sleeve 176.

In some embodiments, sleeve 176 is manufactured from or includes apolymeric wear resistant material similar to the polymeric wearresistant materials listen above with reference to FIG. 7. In this way,sleeve 176 may facilitate a greaseless interface between top and bottomadapter pieces 56 a and 58 a and grabber arm 44 a. It should beunderstood that first grabber arm connector 54 a may pivotally orrotatably couple with bottom adapter piece 58 a using a same or similarconstruction, configuration, components (e.g., sleeve 176), etc., asused to rotatably couple first grabber arm connector 54 a with topadapter piece 56 a. Additionally, while FIG. 26 shows only first adapterassembly 43 a, second adapter assembly 43 b may be similarly and/orsymmetrically configured and constructed.

Grabber Drive System

Referring now to FIG. 18, double-action cylinder 61 and double-actioncylinder 63 are shown removably coupled with carriage 46, according toan exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, double-action cylinder 61is configured to drive grabber arm 44 b (not shown) to pivot to grasp arefuse container. In some embodiments, double-action cylinder 63 isconfigured to drive grabber arm 44 a (not shown) to pivot to grasp therefuse container. Double-action cylinder 61 is shown removably coupledwith carriage 46 through removable connection 122. Double-actioncylinder 63 is shown removably coupled with carriage 46 throughremovable connection 124. In some embodiments, double-action cylinder 61and double-action cylinder 63 are similarly constructed, so thatwhatever is said of double-action cylinder 61 may be said ofdouble-action cylinder 63 and vice versa. In some embodiments, removableconnection 122 is similar to removable connection 124 such that whateveris said of removable connection 122 may be said of removable connection124 and vice versa. Removable connection 122 and removable connection124 may be configured to allow double-action cylinder 61 anddouble-action cylinder 63 to pivot about axis 131 and axis 133,respectively. In some embodiments, as double-action cylinder 61 anddouble-action cylinder 63 extend or retract (to cause grabber arms 44 torotate to grasp the refuse container), double-action cylinder 61 anddouble-action cylinder 63 pivot about axis 131 and axis 133,respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-20 removable connection 122 of double-actioncylinder 61 is shown in greater detail, according to some embodiments.Removable connection 122 is shown to include a plate, shown as fastenerplate 128, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener plate 128 maybe configured to removably couple with carriage 46 via removablefasteners, shown as removable fastener 126 a and removable fastener 126b (e.g., bolts). In some embodiments, fastener plate 128 is configuredto interface with a bushing, shown as bushing 142. Bushing 142 may beconfigured to slidably interface or fixedly interface with a pin, shownas connector pin 130, according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, connector pin 130 extends through an entire height of aconnecting portion of double-action cylinder 61, shown as connectingportion 146. Connecting portion 146 may be integrally formed with a bodyof double-action cylinder 61, according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, connecting portion 146 includes an aperture which extendsthrough an entire height of connecting portion 146 and is configured toallow connector pin 130 to extend through the aperture. In someembodiments, connecting portion 146 is configured to rotate relative toconnector pin 130. In some embodiments, both connecting portion 146 andconnector pin 130 are configured to rotate relative to bushing 142.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-21, removable connection 122 is shown toinclude a bottom connecting feature, shown as connecting feature 136,according to an exemplary embodiment. Connecting feature 136 is shownconfigured to support a bottom end of connector pin 130, according tosome embodiments. Connecting feature 136 is shown to include aconnecting member, shown as connecting member 132. Connecting member 132may include a protrusion, shown as protrusion 140 which extends into thebottom end of connector pin 130, according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, protrusion 140 is configured to prevent connector pin 130from rotating. In some embodiments, connecting member 132 does notinclude protrusion 140 and is configured to support connector pin 130,while allowing connector pin 130 to rotate relative to connecting member132. Connecting member 132 is shown removably coupled with connectingfeature 136 via a fastener, shown as removable fastener 134, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Connecting member 132 is shown removablycoupled with carriage 46 via a fastener, shown as removable fastener138, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, connectingfeature 136 includes an aperture extending through an entire height ofconnecting feature 136 and configured to receive the bottom end ofconnector pin 130. In some embodiments, a bushing, shown as bushing 144,is disposed within the aperture of connecting feature 136 and isconfigured to receive the bottom end of connector pin 130. In someembodiments, connector pin 130 is configured to slidably interface withbushing 144, allowing connector pin to rotate within bushing 144. Insome embodiments, connector pin 130 is configured to fixedly interfacewith bushing 144, resulting in connector pin 130 and bushing 144rotating in unison.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a sectional view of removable connection 122is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Removable connection 122is shown to include a bushing, shown as bushing 144 near the top end ofconnector pin 130, according to an exemplary embodiment. Connector pin130 is shown extending through an aperture of connecting portion 146 ofdouble-action cylinder 61, according to an exemplary embodiment.Connector pin 130 is also shown extending through upper bushing 144 andlower bushing144, positioned at opposite ends of connector pin 130.Connector pin 130 may slidably interface with an inner diameter ofconnecting portion 146 of double-action cylinder 61, according to someembodiments. The slidable interface between connector pin 130 and innerdiameter of connecting portion 146 may be provided with lubricationthrough a lubrication delivery system, shown as grease fitting 148 (seeFIG. 21), according to an exemplary embodiment.

In an exemplary embodiment, removable connection 124 is constructed andconfigured similarly to removable connection 122. Both removableconnection 122 and removable connection 124 may allow double-actioncylinder 61 and double-action cylinder 63 to be removably disconnectedfrom carriage 46 for maintenance purposes. This removable connectiondecreases service time, and improves maintenance efficiency.

Double-action cylinder 63 and double-action cylinder 61 may beconfigured to drive first grabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b,respectively, to grasp a refuse container. In some embodiments, each ofdouble-action cylinder 63 and double-action cylinder 61 are disposedwithin carriage 46. Double-action cylinder 63 and double-action cylinder61 may be removably coupled with carriage 46 as described in greaterdetail above with reference to FIGS. 18-22. In some embodiments,double-action cylinder 63 and double-action cylinder 61 are eachconfigured to attach at an opposite end to first grabber arm 44 a andsecond grabber arm 44 b, respectively, in the same removable manner asdescribed in greater detail above with reference to FIGS. 18-22. In someembodiments, each of double-action cylinder 63 and double-actioncylinder 61 couple with first grabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm 44b at a rear face of first grabber arm 44 a or second grabber arm 44 b.

Process for Servicing a Grabber Assembly

Referring now to FIG. 10, a process 900 for servicing/replacing anycomponents of grabber assembly 42 is shown. Process 900 includes steps902-910, according to some embodiments. Process 900 can be performed bya technician, an operator, maintenance personnel, a fleet manager, etc.

Process 900 includes providing a grabber assembly for a refuse vehiclethat has a removable adapter assembly, a removable grabber finger, and aremovable bushing (step 902), according to some embodiments. The grabberassembly may be grabber assembly 42, the adapter assembly may be any ofadapter assembly 43 a and/or adapter assembly 43 b, the removablegrabber finger may be either of first grabber arm 44 a and/or secondgrabber arm 44 b, and the removable bushing may be first grabber armconnector 54 a and/or second grabber arm connector 54 b.

Process 900 includes removing the grabber finger (e.g., first grabberarm 44 a and/or second grabber arm 44 b) by disassembling the removableadapter assembly (e.g., adapter assembly 43 a and/or adapter assembly 43b) (step 904), according to some embodiments. Step 904 can be performedby a technician by disassembling or de-coupling at least one of thefirst adapter assembly 43 a and the second adapter assembly 43 b fromcarriage 46. Step 904 may be accomplished by disconnecting orde-coupling at least one of fasteners 66 a and fasteners 68 a of firstadapter assembly 43 a, or fasteners 66 b and fasteners 68 b of secondadapter assembly 43 b.

Process 900 includes disassembling the removable adapter assembly andremoving (or disassembling) the removable bushing from the removablegrabber finger (step 906), according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, step 906 is performed by disassembling or removing at leastone of the first adapter assembly 43 a and the second adapter assembly43 b. Step 906 may be accomplished by removing at least one of the toppin fastener 70 a and bottom pin fastener 72 a, or the top pin fastener70 b and the bottom pin fastener 72 a to disassemble at least one of thefirst adapter assembly 43 a and the second adapter assembly 43 b.

Process 900 includes replacing and/or servicing any of the components ofthe removable adapter assembly, the removable grabber finger, or theremovable bushing (step 908), according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, step 908 includes replacing any of the components ofgrabber assembly 42. Step 908 may be performed by a technician byreplacing any of top adapter piece 56 a, top adapter piece 56 b, bottomadapter piece 58 a, bottom adapter piece 58 b, adapter assembly pin 60a, adapter assembly pin 60 b, first grabber arm connector 54 a, secondgrabber arm connector 54 b, first grabber arm 44 a, second grabber arm44 b, a polymeric wear sleeve, etc., or any other component of grabberassembly 42.

Process 900 includes re-assembling the grabber assembly by assemblingthe removable adapter assembly, the removable grabber finger, and theremovable bushing (step 910), according to some embodiments. Step 910may include reassembling grabber assembly 42. Step 910 may be performedby a technician by performing steps 902-908 (or steps 902-906) inreverse

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as usedherein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that suchembodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrationsof possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote thatsuch embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g.,removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe theorientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted thatthe orientation of various elements may differ according to otherexemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list ofelements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in thelist. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, andZ,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood withthe context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., anycombination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present,unless otherwise indicated.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thesystems as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the components described herein may be constructed fromany of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength ordurability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, andcombinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present inventions. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in thedesign, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the presentdisclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A grabber assembly comprising: a carriage; a pinextending through a bushing of a grabber arm, the bushing pivotallycoupled with the pin; a first adapter coupled with the carriage andconfigured to receive a first end of the pin; a second adapter coupledwith the carriage and configured to receive a second end of the pin; anda sleeve extending co-cylindrically with the pin, the sleeve positionedwithin a central bore of the bushing between the bushing and the pin. 2.The grabber assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is manufactured fromor include a polymeric material.
 3. The grabber assembly of claim 1,wherein the first end of the pin is removably fixedly coupled with thefirst adapter and the second end of the pin is removably fixedly coupledwith the second adapter.
 4. The grabber assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst end of the pin is integrally formed with the second adapter androtatably coupled with the first adapter.
 5. The grabber assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the first adapter is removably fixedly coupled with thecarriage, and the second adapter is removably fixedly coupled with thecarriage.
 6. The grabber assembly of claim 1, wherein the bushing, thepin, the first adapter, the second adapter, and the sleeve are co-axial.7. Th grabber assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of: the grabberarm and the bushing are configured to rotate or pivot relative to thesleeve and the pin; or the grabber arm, the bushing, and the sleeve areconfigured to rotate or pivot relative to the pin.
 8. The grabberassembly of claim 1, wherein the pin comprises a longitudinal passagewayand one or more radially extending passageways that fluidly couple withthe longitudinal passageway and a gap defined between a radially inwardsfacing surface of the sleeve and a radially outwards facing surface ofthe pin, the longitudinal passageway and the one or more radiallyextending passageways configured to receive a lubricant through at leastone of the first end or the second end of the pin and provide thelubricant to the gap.
 9. The grabber assembly of claim 8, wherein thepin further comprises a fitting positioned on an exterior surface of thepin, the fitting configured to receive the lubricant from an exterior ofthe pin and fluidly couple with the longitudinal passageway to providethe lubricant through the longitudinal passageway and the one or moreradially extending passageways to the gap.
 10. The grabber assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the pin eachinclude a step, wherein the step is defined between a central portion ofthe pin and end portions of the pin.
 11. The grabber assembly of claim10, wherein the first end of the pin is received within a stepped innervolume of the first adapter and the second end of the pin is receivedwithin a stepped inner volume of the second adapter.
 12. A grabberassembly comprising: a carriage; a pin fixedly coupled with a grabberarm; a first adapter coupled with the carriage and configured to receivea first end of the pin to pivotally couple with the pin; a secondadapter coupled with the carriage and configured to receive a second endof the pin to pivotally couple with the pin; a first sleeve positionedwithin an aperture of the first adapter between the first adapter andthe first end of the pin; and a second sleeve positioned within anaperture of the second adapter between the second adapter and the secondend of the pin.
 13. The grabber assembly of claim 12, wherein the firstend and the second end of the pin each include a step, wherein the stepis defined between a central portion of the pin and end portions of thepin.
 14. The grabber assembly of claim 13, wherein the end portions ofthe pin are smaller than the central portion of the pin, wherein the endportions of the pin are received within the first sleeve and the firstadapter, and the second sleeve and the second adapter.
 15. The grabberassembly of claim 13, wherein a radially outwards facing surface of theend portions of the pin slidably couples with a radially inwards facingsurface of the first sleeve and the second sleeve.
 16. The grabberassembly of claim 12, wherein the first end of the pin is receivedwithin a stepped inner volume of the first adapter and the second end ofthe pin is received within a stepped inner volume of the second adapter.17. A grabber assembly comprising: a carriage; an adapter assemblyconfigured to pivotally couple a grabber arm with the carriage, theadapter assembly comprising a first adapter and a second adapter, eachremovably coupled with the carriage, wherein a pin extends between thefirst adapter and the second adapter, the pin pivotally coupling thegrabber arm with the carriage; and a double-action cylinder configuredto extend and retract to pivot the grabber arm relative to the carriage,wherein the double-action cylinder is configured to pivotally couplewith the grabber arm at a first end of the double-action cylinder andpivotally couple with the carriage at a second end of the double-actioncylinder through a mount assembly.
 18. The grabber assembly of claim 17wherein the mount assembly comprises: a first mounting member and asecond mounting member fixedly and removably coupled with the carriage;a cylindrical member extending between the first mounting member and thesecond mounting member, wherein the cylindrical member extends through acorresponding aperture of the second end of the double-action cylinder;a first bushing positioned within a bore of the first mounting member;and a second bushing positioned within a bore of the second mountingmember; wherein the cylindrical member extends through a centralaperture of the first bushing and the second bushing; wherein thecylindrical member is fixedly coupled with at least one of the firstmounting member and the second mounting member through a connectionmember.
 19. The grabber assembly of claim 17, wherein the adapterassembly further comprises a sleeve extending co-cylindrically with thepin, the sleeve positioned within a central aperture of a bushing of thegrabber arm between the bushing and the pin.
 20. The grabber assembly ofclaim 17, wherein the adapter assembly further comprises: a first sleevepositioned within an aperture of the first adapter between the firstadapter and a first end of the pin; and a second sleeve positionedwithin an aperture of the second adapter between the second adapter anda second end of the pin; wherein the pin comprises a first step and asecond step, the first step and second step defining the first end ofthe pin, the second end of the pin, and a central portion of the pin.